Power Conversion Filter Busbar EMI Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion systems, particularly high power motor drive systems, face challenges in effectively mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions, often requiring custom-designed filters and complex mounting solutions.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion system incorporating a filter with conductive busbars, cascaded capacitor and inductor circuits, including low-frequency and high-frequency capacitor circuits, and common mode cores to reduce EMI emissions, providing a compact and adaptable solution for reducing conducted emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If custom-designed filters are used to mitigate EMI emissions, then emission limits are met, but device complexity and mounting difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI emissionsVSAvoidfilter complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple independent L-C circuits (first through fourth circuits) with distinct functions - common mode filtering, differential mode filtering, and high frequency filtering. Each circuit can be independently designed and mounted, reducing overall system complexity while achieving comprehensive EMI mitigation across different frequency ranges and interference types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter design integrates multiple filtering functions into a unified structure that handles common mode interference, differential mode interference, and high frequency noise simultaneously. The busbar configuration serves both as electrical conductor and as part of the filtering structure, reducing the need for separate mounting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If custom-designed filters with complex mounting solutions are implemented, then EMI mitigation is effective, but ease of operation and installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI emissionsVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter circuits are directly integrated with the busbar structure, eliminating the need for separate filter housings and complex mounting brackets. The busbar itself serves as the mounting structure, allowing for straightforward installation by simply connecting the busbar to the power conversion system terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The busbar configuration automatically provides both electrical connection and mechanical support for the filter circuits. The structure self-organizes the filtering components in a compact arrangement without requiring external mounting fixtures or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple capacitor and inductor circuits are integrated, then EMI attenuation effectiveness increases, but filter size and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI emissionsVSAvoidfilter volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter circuits are arranged in a nested configuration where components are positioned in multiple levels and layers around the busbar. Capacitors and inductors are interleaved and stacked to maximize space utilization, creating a compact structure that accommodates all filtering circuits within a small volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter design transitions from a planar layout to a three-dimensional structure utilizing vertical stacking and radial arrangement around the busbar. This spatial reorganization allows multiple filtering circuits to coexist in a compact footprint by exploiting the third dimension for component placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively attenuates EMI emissions, meeting strict emission limits and facilitating easy integration into existing systems, offering a compact and efficient EMI reduction solution.

Implementation Method 1

a first inductor circuit with common mode cores extending around the busbars at a second location between the first location and a filter output, a second inductor circuit with second common mode cores extending around the busbars at a fourth location between the third location and the filter output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCommon mode rejection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a first low frequency capacitor circuit coupled with the busbars at a first location proximate a filter input, a second low frequency capacitor circuit coupled with the busbars at a third location between the second location and the filter output, a third low-frequency capacitor circuit coupled with the busbars at a fifth location between the fourth location and the filter output, and a high frequency fourth capacitor circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance filtering: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3654511A1Power conversion system and filter therefor
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP3654511A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3654511A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3654511A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Power conversion systems and filters therefor include conductive busbars, a first low frequency capacitor circuit coupled with the busbars at a first location proximate a filter input, a first inductor circuit with common mode cores extending around the busbars at a second location between the first location and a filter output, a second low frequency capacitor circuit coupled with the busbars at a third location between the second location and the filter output, a second inductor circuit with second common mode cores extending around the busbars at a fourth location between the third location and the filter output, a third low-frequency capacitor circuit coupled with the busbars at a fifth location between the fourth location and the filter output, and a high frequency fourth capacitor circuit, coupled with one of the busbars at the fifth location.